If you've decided to wait to conceive again after your miscarriage, or if your doctor has told you to wait, you may want some form of birth control until you are ready for a new pregnancy. The following are good options for short-term contraception if you wish to wait three or fewer menstrual cycles before conceiving again. If you will be waiting more than three months and don't want to risk an earlier pregnancy, discuss your options with your doctor. About.com's Guide to Contraception also has a wealth of in-depth information on all forms of birth control.
1. Condoms
Male condoms are worn over the penis during sex, and they can easily be purchased in most grocery or drug stores. With proper use, condoms are between 85 and 98% effective.
2. Female Condoms
Female condoms are worn inside the vagina during sex, and they work by catching the sperm before it can enter the reproductive tract (similarly to male condoms). Effectiveness with proper use is 75 to 95%. A drawback to female condoms is that they are somewhat more expensive than male condoms.
3. Spermicides
Spermicidal products are usually foams or jellies that are placed in the vagina before intercourse, and they work by killing sperm before it can proceed through the cervix. Spermicides are 71 to 85% effective when used as a primary form of contraception.
4. Today Sponge
The Today Sponge contains spermicidal agents but also serves as a barrier method. It is worn inside the vagina over the cervix, and can be inserted up to 24 hours before intercourse. Effectiveness is 68 to 91%, dependent on whether a woman has given birth in the past.
5. Withdrawal
The withdrawal method is when a man simply avoids ejaculating in the vagina and "pulls out" before experiencing an orgasm. Though pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, research suggests that when performed correctly, withdrawal is 82 to 96% effective for preventing pregnancy.
